This photo was taken on my spring break trip to Puerto Rico. I wanted to have memories of my travels and I felt like the best way to do this was by capturing images of locals doing everyday things. I decided to take a picture of a man playing a guitar for tips at La Bombonera (famous for serving mallorcas, opened in 1902). I noticed the man was sitting alone at the stool and the essence of time could be seen with the old pictures and kitchen equipment in the background. The majority of the people at the restaurant were tourists from different cruises. It was interesting to see their reaction to the music and food. Coming from Puerto Rican decent, I was able to appreciate and relate heavily on the moment I was able to capture. If the man in my picture would take a picture of me he would probably make it a close up of my face to see my fascination of the Puerto Rican culture with a caption saying “Boricua aunque haya nacido en la luna,” (Puerto Rican even if I was born on the moon). “The other,” would assume that I do not come from this by my physical appearances. They would most likely think I was on a leisure vacation when in fact the purpose of the trip was to reconnect with my roots. After reflecting on this photo, I can honestly say it will change the way I take travel photographs. Many times we take hundreds of photographs without ever stopping to think and reflect on what exactly we are trying to capture. When taking pictures of other people, it’s critical to think whether you want them to pose or whether you are trying to capture them doing their daily routines. Often times we assume that other people come from the same background as ourselves but each and every individual person has a unique story.
I decided to alter this image and place myself in the iconic “Hope,” poster that was used during the 2008 Obama campaign. This altered image was created by Shepard Fairey and sold on the streets before becoming one of the most recognizable and influential media used for Obama’s campaign message. Although it’s a simplistic image, it brought about a unifying theme amongst Americans. This strategic poster caught the eye of millions around the world and an entire story of “change,” could be told with only one word. Putting myself in this poster I was able to make a parody out of the iconic image. Underneath my altered version I wrote the word “recession,” because our country is facing the worst recession since The Great Depression. Unemployment rates are still at an all time high and many Americans have lost faith in this “hope.” It’s interesting to see how an image can be altered and cause so much controversy. This teaches one the lesson to never assume anything is original but to always keep in mind that it only takes a click of the mouse to completely alter an image and its meaning. "We are not a collection of red states or blue states but a combination of both (purple states)."
Blackbird lyrics The willow it weeps today A breeze from the distance is calling your name Unfurl your black wings and wait Across the horizon it's coming to sweep you away It's coming to sweep you away [Chorus:] Let the wind carry you home Blackbird fly away May you never be broken again The fragile cannot endure The wrecked and the jaded a place so impure The static of this cruel world Cause some birds to fly long before they've seen their day Long before they've seen their day [Chorus:] Let the wind carry you home Blackbird fly away May you never be broken again Beyond the suffering you've known I hope you find your way May you never be broken again Ascend may you find no resistance Know that you made such a difference All you leave behind will live to the end The cycle of suffering goes on But memories of you stay strong Someday I too will fly and find you again [Chorus:] Let the wind carry you home Blackbird fly away May you never be broken again Beyond the suffering you've known I hope you find your way May you never be broken again May you never be broken again
The song Blackbird by the Beatles was inspired by the black civil rights movement in America. During this time period there was a lot of racial tension present in America and the blackbird is used as a metaphor. It describes a black bird who overcomes its broken wings to fly, ultimately representing the progress of minorities despite all of the oppression and assassination Martin Luther King Jr. (the father of the Civil Rights Movement). Although the blackbird is making a statement on the Civil Rights Movement, its significance still holds with the passage of time. The blackbird represents the outcast in society that is able to look beyond and escape the struggles brought upon us. “Blackbird singing in the dead of the night,” is used to describe the voices and outcry of millions but unfortunately no one was listening. A metaphor of broken wings is used throughout the song, symbolizing the experiences we’re faced with and learn from them to avoid committing the same mistake twice. This entire song is about having a voice no matter how dark the tunnel may be, there is light to be found. Blackbirds are known to sing during the night, in the dead of night, often times not heard by the majority. The color black is often represented as a symbol for death, but in this case, the death of skin color. “Death is freedom,” is a term referring to the historical abolishment of slavery. The blacks in America were being oppressed and broken by society but a unifying voice of the people (blackbird) allows the minority to overcome. There have also been claims that this song is not only about the civil rights movement, but also on the rising tension that was felt during the anti Vietnam War movement. “Blackbird,” was a name used for American Helicopters during the Vietnam War.
I chose the Scales of Justice (also referred to as Lady Justice) because I am on the pre law track and hoping to get into law school in the near future. The Scales of Justice balances truth and fairness, dating back to Ancient Egypt and the Goddess of Maat. This iconic image ultimately represents the field of law. Courthouses all over the nation use this image as decor. The scale represents the impartiality that exists in the criminal justice system. The iconic image came from the famous female Goddess sculpture of Justitia. The statue depicts the Goddess holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other, often depicted with a blindfold. The sword represents power of reason and justice which applies to both sides of the trial. In addition, the scales represent the strengths of the case’s support and opposition. During the 16th century artists began portraying the statue blindfolded to show that justice is not subject to influence and instead should be a common set of natural laws. In the West, the Scales of Justice is represented differently. Some of the distinct characteristics of the Western representation of the statue include: not being blindfolded, carries a sword and scales, mature like a wise person (simile), no longer commonly known as Themis, and she symbolizes the fair and equal administration of the law. The underlying meaning continues to be fairness and avoiding the corruption of law. Although The Scales of Justice has multiple representations, at a glance, most people relate it to law in general. A metaphor is created by using the sword and scales to illustrate the impartiality that exists in law. The stoic facial expressions are compared to the seriousness of law and how laws have become concrete over the years.
As the understanding and accessibility of visual images has become more understood and easily available to the general public during times of war, various forms of censorship have been put into effect in an attempt to protect troops and to control public opinion. In Regarding the Pain of Others, Susan Sontag argues, “There has always been censorship, but for a long time it remained desultory, at the pleasure of generals and heads of state.” (51) Sontag makes a valid point by stating that censorship has been a grey area during times of war. With the advancement of technology, the public is able to access war visuals at their convenience. Since the creation of photographs, debates have stricken about the ethical challenges of depicting a war. Is it censorship or sensibility? Often times we are presented with visuals that disregard the harsh reality of war and the gruesome brutality that exists. Viewers are given images of a bloodless war. Many are in denial of seeing our troops injured or dead but I believe they deserve this recognition and the people deserve to get a glimpse of war without censorship. Although we cannot fully comprehend the realities of war without being in a war, the closest things we have are visuals. Little reflection of these realities is to be found, however since the Vietnam War (first war to be televised) the US media and military have kept the American public in the shadows about its real nature. For example, Clint Eastwood’s historical fiction, Letter’s from Iwo Jima, shows us the battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective. Seeing American soldiers getting killed is a very effective way to show what media sources and the military do not want us to see. This ultimately puts war into perspective because throughout the course of the movie we develop an attachment with the "Other" (Japanese soldiers) but then realize they are killing our own people. The bloody truths about war are revealed in this film and it's amazing to see how censorship creates a distorted view on war, many times not taking into consideration the pathos and honor that exists on both sides. War is a mystery, but according to Sontag this mystery has not been solved because strategic censorship has been taking place for so long.
Facebook has become a social network for more than 500 million users worldwide. While Facebook is a diverse tool that taps into many subcultures and brings together generational gaps, it has the ability to create a distorted persona. Each page is customized to appeal to a certain subculture; however often times the pictures and text posted can be misinterpreted or offensive to other subcultures. Are your Facebook friends, really your friends? When is it appropriate to accept or send a friend request? Facebook is unlike any other form of personal representation that exists because one is able to incorporate multiple forms of media and text. Although the author of each page is known, information is constantly being updated by others. Privacy has become a huge factor to consider when displaying your personal information to the world. Facebook has ultimately turned into a second form of resume for highly competitive businesses; however separating your personal life from “strictly business,” is not an easy task. Putting out to much or too little information can raise suspicion. Facebook has ultimately caused many people to have dual personalities and break social boundaries.
It is important to maintain your personal and professional lives as separate entities and not fuse them into one Facebook page. Facebook pages are designed to appeal to the masses so it is crucial to realize that different subcultures may react differently to your profile. Because so many different forms of media are used on Facebook, it gives the public instant access to your mood or personality. I personally choose to delete pictures and videos which I necessarily do not find offensive but may be offensive to others. Facebook has become in essence a second form of resume. In seconds, your employer can pull up your page and find out what kind of person you are outside of the work setting. I strictly enforce limited visibility because in my culture it is common to drink alcohol from a young age; whereas it is scandalous and illegal to drink before the age of twenty one. This example has caused me to enforce strict privacy settings on my Facebook to avoid any misinterpretations between cultures. Bridging generational gaps is not an easy task. Relatives have connected to me that I haven’t seen in years. Although I am thankful that I can see how well they’re doing, often times I fear they will tell my parents “dirty little secrets,” (ironically I logged on to facebook during this post). Facebook has redefined and given another dimension to social networking.
Over three million students graduate from U.S. high schools every year, and most of these get the opportunity to test their dreams and live their own version of the American story. Unfortunately, approximately 65,000 other youths do not get this opportunity; instead, they’re profiled as an illegal immigrant and denied the right to higher education. These youths have lived in the United States for most of their lives and want nothing more than to be recognized as Americans and be given the same opportunities as their peers. The Dream Act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that can solve this social injustice. The Dream Act would allow undocumented youths to be eligible for a 6 year long path towards citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service. A man by the name of Juanma Trigo was able overcome this obstacle at the University of Florida.
Juanma immigrated to the United States at the tender age of four and shortly after his arrival was enrolled in the local public high school. Living the majority of his life in the United States, he felt no different from the rest of his peers; he was an “American.” The American culture was what he knew and was surrounded by. Coming from a low socioeconomic neighborhood, Juanma encountered drugs and gang violence on a day to day basis. However, his positive outlook on life and strong character steered him in the right direction. He was able to graduate in the top ten percentile from his high school and was recognized for his outstanding academic achievements. After school, he worked a part time job at the local coffee shop to financially support his single mother and four younger brothers. His friends and teacher admired his work ethic and ability to defeat his circumstances. This was all Juanma knew how to do, live the American dream.
His accomplishments in high school were recognized by school faculty and local officials from Alachua County. Juanma began the college application process but was shocked to have been rejected by every school he applied for. His academia was impressive and one would only imagine any Ivy League school would accept him. Juanma was confused by the outcomes and did not understand why every school rejected his application. After consulting with admissions, he was told that he was not even considered because he was not a citizen of the United States of America. He explained his circumstances and told them that his single mother of four was unable to afford his citizenship.
He appealed their decisions and told them he was just as qualified as any of his peers.
“How many in your applicant pool; migrated to another country, learned a second language, worked part time to support four younger brothers, and above all, excelled in school?”
Although he tried his hardest, his appeals were ultimately unsuccessful. He was discouraged by the fact that the only thing holding him back from becoming a productive member of society and living the American dream was a piece of paper.
Many would have given up at this point, but Juanma did not accept failure this easily. His resilience led him to achieve what few believed was possible. He had learned that there was no such thing as a free lunch, but was there such a thing as a free education? For four years Juanma began attending live lectures at the University of Florida. He would simply walk into the large lecture classrooms and take notes as if he were a registered student, listening to the professor’s words of wisdom that would help him reach his American dream. At nights after work, he would complete homework assignments and would read and prepare prior to class. His work ethics significantly surpassed that of his classmates. However, Juanma would never participate in class or interact with his classmates in fear of being caught. His unnaturally introverted personality made him feel ostracized.
He would think to himself, “I’m an illegal immigrant, why am I doing this if know one respects me?”
His drive was simple, to give his mother and younger siblings a better life.
After four years of educating himself, he had completed the entire academic curriculum to graduate with an undergraduate degree in Economics without ever enrolling into the university. He faced the challenge of proving he was qualified to enter the work force without U.S. citizenship. Although Juanma was qualified for every job he applied for, again a simple piece of paper was holding him back from getting hired. He begged the employer to give him a proficiency test because he knew that he was highly qualified for the position. Months passed and his dreams were coming to an end. Becoming desperate to work he ended up finding a job at a warehouse unloading packages. Since he was undocumented, he was getting paid in cash and had to work the night shift. Tragically, all of his hard work in class had resulted in working long physically demanding hours and was getting paid just below minimum wage.
As a result, Juanma would not achieve the American dream. His goal in life became to provide financial stability for his mother and younger brothers. He became an expert and activist on the Dream Act, as he does not want the approximate 65,000 undocumented youths to go through what he had to. Living in fear and working without seeing any results was extremely disheartening. The Dream Act is considered to be one of the most controversial pieces of immigration legislation that exists. This bill has not yet been passed, but through Juanma’s example and many more like himself, there is proof that a large number of illegal immigrants are simply chasing the American dream and do want to become productive members of U.S. society.
The narrative is told through Juanma Trigo's perspective. Through the images one can ultimately see that he is immigrating to the U.S. in search of a better life but questions such as, why and how this is achieved are not answered without incorporating text. Purposefully placing images within the texts gives the audience an appreciation for Juanma's struggles and ultimately facilitates their comprehension. The story is told in chronological order allowing the protagonist to develop and mature throughout the narrative. Strategic placing of the images was important to not reveal or distort the reader's interpretation. As a result, one can see how important adding a description to an image can be. An image and video can tell a lot of information that text cannot. Different senses gives the reader an alternate and often times more affective way of conveying a message.
